Greetings from South Carolina! I have taught middle school for 27 years,
with my primary focus being in science, technology, and reading. I have
been an Instructional Technology Coordinator at two different schools-one
in VA and the other here in SC. I also spent a one year sabbatical in
the Office of Technology at the South Carolina Department of Education.
I enjoyed my time out of the classroom working with teachers, but my
energy comes from my students’ excitement of learning! I returned
to the classroom four years ago to teach 8th grade science and reading.
Currently I am teaching 8th grade science and South Carolina History.

Science has offered many exciting opportunities for me. I attended
a NASA NEWMAST Workshop at Stennis Space Center almost 10 years ago,
my former colleague (now my Principal) and I were selected through a
NSF grant to present our science curriculum at an International Geo-Sci
Education Conference in Hilo, Hawaii, and I was one of two SC teachers
selected to attend a National Geographic/JASON XIV Channel Islands Field
Institute in 2003. In 2004 my students and I were able to participate
in a NASA/JASON remote sensing pilot program using the radio controlled
airplanes similar to those used during the Channel Islands expedition.
The last several years I have been a Field Trainer in South Carolina
for the JASON Project. I have also been an online facilitator for JASON
Academy workshops. My students and I just finished the Mysteries of
Earth and Mars JASON expedition. It has been an awesome topic for both
me and my students. I was able to meet Kobie Boykins who designed the
solar panels on the current rovers, Dr. Jim Garvey (crater expert),
and Dr. Jack Farmer (extremophiles) last summer at the JASON National
Conference.

Personally, I have a wonderful husband of 30 years that has put up
with my passion for science. My three sons also have had to endure a
science fanatic for a Mom. They are now 25, 22, and 19. I am also an
extraordinarily proud “Nana” of the most beautiful, funny,
and intelligent (of course!) little 13 month old boy!

I am so excited about our expedition this summer. I can’t wait
to perhaps see some new constellations!! My students next year will
have to re-live this experience with me each day I’m sure!

Watching
take off of the NASA Radio Controlled airplane as we use digital
video and infrared cameras at Congaree National Swamp